C. Peter Wagner (August 15, 1930-October 21, 2016) was the founder of Global Harvest Ministries, and a leading figure in the so-called New Apostolic Reformation. Most recently he was the vice president (or, in his own words, “Apostolic Ambassador”) of Global Spheres, Inc. — which he described as “a new wineskin for apostolic assignment.”

While nobody questioned his love for God, sadly he became a driving force behind countless extra-Biblical and un-Biblical teachings and practices.

Black Hebrew Israelites (also Black Hebrews, African Hebrew Israelites, and Hebrew Israelites) are diverse groups of people mostly of Black African ancestry who believe they are descendants of the ancient Israelites.

Black Hebrews adhere in varying degrees to the religious beliefs and practices of mainstream Judaism, but are not accepted as Jews. Many of the groups espouse a racist, Black Supremacy attitude.

On April 3, 2009, the Worldwide Church of God officially changed its name to Grace Communion International.

Throughout most of its history, the Worldwide Church of God – founded and led by Herbert W. Armstrong – was, theologically, a cult of Christianity.

However, starting in the mid 1980’s under Joseph Tkach Sr, and later his son, Joseph Tkach Jr. – the church’s current leader – the Worldwide Church of God underwent major changes in doctrine to the extend that is has rejected its heretical teachings, and instead has embraced orthodox Christianity.

Cults come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Not every person’s experience will fit neatly into these following categories, but this list should provide some idea of the range of cults and their reach into every walk of life.

Pastored by ‘apostle’ Bill Johnson, Bethel Church in Redding, California is an influential church in the so-called New Apostolic Reformation (NAR).

The NAR is a heterodox movement in Protestant Christianity in which people follow present-day apostles and prophets who claim to govern the church and give new divine revelation that is needed to set up God’s kingdom on earth.

Bethel’s teachings and practices also identify the church as part of the equally problematic Word-Faith Movement.

The term ‘cult of Christianity‘ is used of a group, church or organization whose central teachings and/or practices are claimed to be biblical or representative of biblical Christianity, but which are in fact unbiblical and not Christian in nature.

What are the things you should look for in determining whether or not a particular group is truly Christian in nature?